Irene Holden

Irene K. Holden, age 101 of Crosslake, MN passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Whitefish at the Lakes in Crosslake.

Irene was born August 18, 1924 in Freeman, South Dakota to Paul Peter (P.P.) and Anna (Wollman) Kleinsasser. Irene was blessed with 4 children. Irene lived in Backus, most of her life before moving to Crosslake in 2020. Irene was a Registered Nurse and worked at Ah-Gwah- Ching State Nursing Home in Walker for over 40 years. Irene was a woman with many special gifts and talents. Her strength of character, resolve and drive were unmatched. She was quick witted and didn’t mind a reasonable debate. She was strong, resilient and determined, yet kind and generous. For her family and those that were fortunate to know her she left an indelible mark. While we are heartbroken to lose her we are so very grateful she was a part of our lives.

Irene enjoyed reading, gardening, fishing and spending time at the family cabins. She particularly enjoyed the fly-in fishing trips to Canada, even into her early 90’s. She enjoyed excursions to the family hunting property, in Deerfield Township. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Irene is survived by her children, daughter, Marlane (Bob) Sherman of Pequot Lakes, sons, Steve (Gail) Holden of Eugene, Oregon, Mark (Libby) Holden of Eugene Oregon, Kevin (Lynn) Holden of St. Cloud/Breezy Point, grandchildren: Kristen (Jason), Gina (Jeff), Mindy Matthew, Luke (Donna), Sam, Jill, and Joe and great grandchildren, Blake, Cole, Elijah, Ella, Anna, Olivia, Isla, Wyatt, Ellis and Jack and Sabrina Dalbesio, grand-daughter in law,

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Edward Kleinsasser, Theodore Kleinsasser, Walter Kleinsasser, Amos Kleinsasser and Paul Kleinsasser, sisters Anne Kleinsasser, Dora Kleinsasser, Edna Dalke, Alice Kleinsasser, Elizabeth Kleinsasser and Jeanne Tieszen, sister in-laws, Betty Kleinsasser, Agnes Kleinsasser and Lucille Kleinsasser, brother-in-law Frank Dalke, son-in-law Steve Sherman, daughter-in-law Susan McReynolds and grandson, Nathan Holden.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Irene’s nieces, Deva, Audrey, Ardele, Arlene, Barb, Joy, Jill and Wendy, who always remembered our mother with cards, kind words, flowers and goodies. You treated Irene like your own mother.

A special thank you to the Staff at Whitefish at the Lakes for the care given to Irene, especially Bobbi and Emily and to the Staff at St. Croix Hospice.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date in Freeman, South Dakota.

Memorials should be directed to Crosslake Food Shelf.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel.